The present invention relates to the harnessing of green and renewable energy. And various methods to maximize such energy generation efforts in a micro power plant model. Also explores the description of a smart windmill, for green energy generation purposes, combined with Solar panels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional windmills are not very popular on roof tops and the reason may be, not so uniform wind and so no power generation guarantee. Also, such windmills when a single mill is installed on single pole, does take away space. Rooftop or ground space is limited in urban and semi urban areas so there is a need for minimal footprint solution. Also, Solar installations generate electricity only during the day and take away, rooftop space in many cases. So if roof top can be raised and augmented with cluster of smart windmills, a better and uniform power generation potential emerges.
Also conventional wind mills have only one mill mounted on the pole so wastage of space probably. And conventional ones have minimum wind requirement for any energy production. And by nature, wind mill are installed commercially in coastal ( sea breeze and Land breeze effect) or windy regions and also because, todays wind mills are not smat wind mills.
It is therefore desirable to explore, alternate methods/ ideas to harness renewable energy and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels and lead the environment towards cleaner and greener environment. Usage of windmill already in place in many developed and developing countries but mostly are planted on coastal region. Developing countries mostly depend on energy for development and wants to support the economy by reducing the fossil fuels imports from other countries. This is huge potential in terms of adding more ways to harness green energy, reducing cost and indirectly saving fossil fuel etc. And any form of clean energy generation can be considered noble cause for human.
Although efforts have been made to improve windmill design and their installation strategy, but current invention details use of single tower for harnessing of wind energy with variable pulley (conical gear) system to provide maximum efficiency by picking up weakest wind for production of green energy as well as Solar energy, eliminating limitation of space in Urban and developing areas
A disk-based shifter conical clutch mechanism can be used to get wind power to the generator in right gear ratio for optimal power generation. Disk based breaking mechanism can be used to control the turbine in case of very high/ catastrophic winds.
The power generated by these turbines can be clubbed with matching solar panel capacity installed nearby, to improve thoughout of the system over 24 hrs period.
The system according to claim 1, also can be rearranged to use only one wind speed sensor (to keep the cost low) and feedback from the same can be given to all wind turbines on the pole or the close by system, where it makes practical. Design can be easy plug and play type.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a Hybrid windmill and solar tree to save ground foot print in urban areas. Another object of the invention is to provide a system which can be used for harnessing variable wind speed for optimal production of green energy using conical pulley gear system (Variable gear system) and also protection of winding and rotor part by reducing the RPM using variable pulley gear system in reverse condition in case of gusting winds .
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a Hybrid tree which can also harness Solar energy using the same ground footprint and same electrical component in order to achieve the consistent production of green energy in any weather condition to achieve the goal of fulfilling the needs of electricity for single independent Urban house in a cost effective manner.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a Hybrid windmill and solar tree to save ground foot print in urban areas using a system which can be used for harnessing variable wind speed for optimal production of green energy using conical pulley gear system (Variable gear system) and also protection of winding and rotor part by reducing the RPM using variable pulley gear system in reverse condition in case of gusting winds and also harness Solar energy using the same ground footprint and same electrical component in order to achieve the consistent production of green energy in any weather condition to achieve the goal of fulfilling the needs of electricity for single independent Urban house in a cost effective manner. This system will have 4 individual windmill each of 800 Watt (48 V) with variable gear mechanism in order to increase or decrease the speed of rotor in comparison to wind speed (i.e. fan blade RPM) all describe mounting shall be placed on single tower using branches on tower. Support for tower system shall be placed using stay wires from mid of pole and for strengthening purpose to stand alone in gusty wind condition Girder will be placed in horizontal and athwart direction through which extra stay wires can be connected and the same Gireder will act as mounting for Solar Panels which we will accommodate in order to achieve the goal of this patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates, smart wind mill housing with variable gears and actuators
Fig. 2 illustrates, smart wind mill housing with variable gears and actuators having capability to be mounted in the middle of the pole
Fig. 3 illustrates, wind tower with multiple wind mills on the same pole
Fig. 4 illustrates, wind solar tower/hut with panels at the top and mills below them
Fig. 5 illustrates, smart wind mill functioning flow diagram
Fig. 6 illustrates, smart wind mill functioning flow diagram with actuator1 for agitation
Fig. 7 illustrates, smart wind mill functioning flow diagram with actuator2 for braking
Fig. 8 is similar to Fig 1 and only actuator positions are marked.
DETAILEDDESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “an article” may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the Figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.
There may be additional structures described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a structure is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention utilizes variable gear mechanism with wind sensors and actuators, to make a smart windmill. Such a smart windmill is able to sense wind speed and adjust rigidity, gear ratio, to be able to harness wind energy optimally. Accordingly the apparatus components and the method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
While the specification concludes with the claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. open transition). The term “coupled” or “operatively coupled” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
Embodiments of the present invention utilize use of a smart wind mill, capable of better wind energy harnessing at various speeds and has safety mechanisms inbuilt for disastrous levels of wind. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or mechanisms, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that an embodiment of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
Fig. 1 illustrates, side view of smart wind mill which has mill/ fan 101 is on same rotor as a conical drum rotor 102. Another rotor with conical drum 103 in opposite direction with a disc conical clutch 106 and left small gear 105, connected to bottom shaft via a pulley. Disc 106 is sliding mechanism on that shaft on a grove so that rotary motion is constrained while 105 and 106 has free rotary motion. Generator 107 too is rigid on this shaft as is disc conical clutch 106. 104 is actuator mechanism (called Actuator1) and 105 is other actuator mechanism (Called Actuator 2). Both of these are detailed in Fig 8 and are described as the bottom of this section.
Fig 2 is similar to Fig1 with only difference that, such a smart wind mill is designed to be multi stacked vertically on same shaft. So such a wind mill has generator shifted little back while generator shaft is moved out little bit, to accommodate vertical pole. Here 201 is the pole accommodate near the body and so generator shaft is longer, in comparison to Fig1 arrangement.
Fig 3 is a front cutout view of Fig2, which shows, how a vertical pole is arranged to accommodate many such mills on the same shaft. 301 is conical pulley on mill/fan and this is connected to 304 (which has generator too in the back), another conical pulley and is driven by idler gear 302.
Fig. 4 shows a wind and solar tree where solar panels are arranged at the top and multiple wind mills can be arranged below panels. And this gives it a hut or tree look. I will create some shade too, for house hold while working as electricity generator.
Fig. 5 illustrates yet another variant of smart wind mill, wherein 502 is wind speed sensor, senses wind speed and provides signal to micro controller. Micro Controller in 504 has capacity to decide, level of wind speed decide a gear ratio (506) which is then sent to screw based (xxxxxxx), electric drive actuator. 508 is the key for idler gear position between 2 reverse conical gears and so desired rotary motion is transmitted to driven shaft 510 and desired rigidity is realised at driving shaft/ mill shaft. (More rigidity means, higher winds needed to turn it). Rotary motion of driven shaft is converted to electricity in 512.
Fig. 6 illustrates smart wind mills agitation mechanism by Actuator2 when wind is picking and goes beyond a lower threshold. 601 is the wind speed sensor which should decide in 602, point when mill rotor should be agitated (to overcome static friction). When wind speed is above threshold, Actuator2 in 603 does attach clutch to the left (xxxxxxxxx) belt pulley and uses very low energy for agitation by using electricity of grid 604 (generator becomes motor). In 605, once mill is agitated/ rotated, has overcome static friction of the system and ready to catch winds to generate power in 606.
Fig. 7 illustrates smart wind mills braking mechanism by Actuator2 when wind is picking and goes beyond a upper threshold. 701 is the wind speed sensor which should decide in 702, point when mill should should stop as winds are turning disastrous. When wind speed is above upper threshold, Actuator2 in 703 does attach clutch to the right (xxxxxxxxx) with brakes applied at the disc 704 and clutch pressed to the right (with Idler gear of Actuator1 at left) 705. In such case, whole assembly acts as rigid structure, as long as wind stays at disastrous level and any failure due to centrifugal forces, mill run off is avoided.
Fig.8 is a replica of Fig1 with Actuator mechanisms highlighted as Actuator1, Actuator2 and below are details of same.
Actuator1 - (Screw drive based) - This actuator will sense the wind speed and based on the wind speed, will get computed position of idler gear from micro-controller.
Lower wind speed mean lower rigidity to the wind turbine by keeping idler to the right, which means multiple revolutions of blades, causes one revolution of generator.
Moderate wind speed means moderate gear ratio, probably closer to one which means one rotation of fan creates one rotation of generator, which means moderate rigidity.
Higher wind speed means higher rigidity to the fan/ turbine and that means one rotation of fan/ turbine will create multiple rotation of generator shaft, producing more electricity.
Actuator2 - (Disc based clutch and brake) - This actuator will agitate turbine and help it overcome static friction of the system at low wind speed by sensing, more than threshold wind speeds. And generator will act as a motor, use very little energy to move the blades so that, they are ready catch lower wind speeds, when wind picks up. Such computation at microcontroller is subject to optimization and tuning to make the system, efficient in harnessing energy from no wind to low wind speeds.
In case of zero or lower than threshold wind speed, whole system will rest and no question of any energy generation.
When wind speeds start increasing, a conventional wind turbine may have more static friction which will keep threshold wind speed, higher than one for smart wind mill, described in current patent.
Microcontrollers feedback will help overcome static friction and agitate/ rotate blades so that they have now dynamic friction to tackle (which is lower than dynamic friction). And so are ready to generate energy at lower wind speeds.
In case of very high winds, fan/ turbine can be left free or brakes applied, generator can be freed to avoid over amperage/ burning. Here microcontroller may add another benefit in form of good controls and safety, in stormy or hurricane like situations.

Finally, inventions mentioned in present embodiment can harness wind energy smartly.
Various embodiments, as described above, provide a method and system for smart energy generation, which is green in nature. And such invention is noble as helps save fossil fuel, enables micro grids, enables ones DIY (do it yourself) side if a person decides to purchase mills and install himself. It may reduce and take away, pressure from centralized grids and a step towards greener and cleaner future energy reliance.
While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.
All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference.
, Claims:
1. A wind turbine tower with multiple turbines comprising of many multi micro wind turbines (mounted vertically on a pole) to increase the capacity in the same foorprint. Smart wind tuwhich are able to sense wind speed and adjust gear ratio (using conical pulleys on opposite shafts and idler/belt controlled by a control mechanism. Such a smart wind turbine can harness wind energy at lower wind speeds.
2. The system according to claim 1, where a disk-based shifter conical clutch mechanism can be used to get wind power to the generator in the right gear ratio for optimal power generation, can use the generator as motor to start the rotor (which may help in overcoming) static friction (dynamic friction is less than static), to catch low winds , can also have disk based braking mechanism which will control turbine in case of of very high/ catastrophic winds
3. Also, such turbines can be clubbed with matching solar panel capacity installed nearby, to improve thoughout of the system over 24 hrs period.
4. The system according to claim 1, also needs a different design of solar wind turbines which can be installed in the middle of the pole (and not in the end of the pole like conventional).
5. The system according to claim 1, also can be rearranged to install on a pole as per drawing (Fig 4) where T attachments allow multiple end of pole turbine installs.
6. According to claim 1, the system also can be rearranged to use only one wind speed sensor (to keep the cost low) and feedback from same can be given to all wind turbines on the pole or close by the system, where it makes practical. Design can be an easy plug-and-play type.
7. The system according to claim 1, also should factor in minimum wind speed below which it should remain quite and after winds start blowing above the threshold, the system uses energy as a motor and moves the rotor, to overcome initial static friction and then waits for it to catch the winds and generate electricity. This can be done using another clutch based gear mechanism where the motor rotates with more rpm, the wind rotor rotates at less rpm. Existing conical gears can't be used as response times to move the idlers/ belts, (left to right) will be longer.
8. A solar and wind turbine tree, for residential use which can generate electricity using solar panels and the arrangement of smart wind mills. Such a tree can be on a strong single pole , 3 legged or 4 legged mechanism. Solar panels are mounted at the top surface and smart windmills are mounted below panels in an array of arrangements with multiple windmills.
9. The system according to claim 1, where a smart windmill is arranged in different ways to accomodate multi-wind turbines which are designed to harness variable wind speeds from low to high.